Playhouse 211 shuts its doors

Published: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 12:26 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 12:26 p.m.

Playhouse 211, the 80-seat theater at St. James, has closed. The last performance was an April 19 concert by Raleigh vocalist Jeanne Jolly.

Playhouse 211 opened in 2010 and housed several productions by Brunswick Little Theatre, including "The Dixie Swim Club" and "Barefoot in the Park."

Music acts were also booked at Playhouse 211, with acts as varied as jazz guitarist Frank Vignola, country singer Madonna Nash and Americana trio Red Molly.

Piet Sundman, owner of the theater, said the business' loan for the space was not renewed. Sundman said his loan was current, but his bank insisted that he pay down the principal in order to renew. Sundman said he is not in the financial position to do so.

Sundman was disappointed that he didn't receive more support from the surrounding towns.

"If the community support would have been there, we would have had money coming in to make a reduction (in the principal) out of the cash flow," Sundman said.

Perrin said most of the concerts he promoted at Playhouse 211 did pretty well. He remembers adding seats on the stage to accommodate the fans for the Ryan Montbleau Band in 2011. Generally, Perrin needed to sell around 60 seats to break even at Playhouse 211, and he usually did.

But the success of some shows didn't equal profit for Sundman.

"The (community) lost a nice venue that could have provided, and was providing, a place to inexpensively see plays and music acts," Sundman said. "I guess people are too busy. People say they like to go to the theater, but when it comes right down to it, they don't."

Perrin continues to book entertainment that will play at wine shops, art galleries and outdoor venues. Without having to pay rent, he can break even with lower attendance.

Still, he feels the loss of Playhouse 211.

"It's a wonderful theater," he said. "I had hoped that it would do well."